Authentication managing apparatus, and shop communication terminal

ABSTRACT

A money receiving system that receives monetary payments without using cash or placing restrictions on the recipients of such payments, and an authentication management apparatus and a store communication terminal used in this money receiving system are provided. The authentication management apparatus includes storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of customer ID information and a plurality of pieces of store ID information, reception means for receiving a piece of customer ID information, a piece of store ID information, and amount information indicating a monetary amount from a store communication terminal, authentication means for authenticating the piece of customer ID information and the piece of store ID information that have been received by the reception means, and transfer means for transferring the monetary amount indicated by the amount information from an account of a store with the authenticated piece of store ID information to an account of a customer with the authenticated piece of customer ID information. The store communication terminal includes storage means for storing store ID information, reception means for receiving customer ID information, input means for inputting amount information for a monetary amount that a store is to pay a customer, and transmission means for transmitting the store ID information stored by the storage means, the customer ID information received by the reception means, and the amount information inputted by the input means to an authentication management apparatus that authenticates the store ID information and the customer ID information. By constructing a money receiving system that uses the authentication management apparatus and store communication terminal, a cashless system for monetary payments can be realized. The system is highly secure and can prevent theft.

[0001] The present invention relates to an authentication managementapparatus and a store communication terminal that are used in a moneyreceiving system which enables users to receive monetary paymentswithout using cash.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] There is always the risk of theft at places where money changeshands. While cashless systems for monetary payments such as credit cardsare widely used, sufficient research has not been performed to thereceipt of monetary payments.

[0003] As one example, robberies at the prize-exchanging booths providedat pachinko parlors in Japan occurs often. However, with conventionalcashless technologies there is no easy way for pachinko players to begiven their winnings without using cash. To become the recipient of amonetary payment made using a credit card service, a pachinko playermust pass a strict checking procedure, which makes it impossible for allplayers to become recognized recipients of payments. A recipient of atransfer made using a credit card system also needs equipment to verifythe ID of the payer, which naturally limits the number of potentialrecipients in such a system.

[0004] The present invention was conceived in view of the situationdescribed above and has an object to provide a money receiving systemthat allows monetary receipts to be made without using cash and withoutplacing restrictions on the recipients of payments, and also anauthentication management apparatus and a store communication terminalthat are used in such a money receiving system.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An authentication management apparatus of the present inventionincludes storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of customer IDinformation and a plurality of pieces of store ID information, receptionmeans for receiving a piece of customer ID information, a piece of storeID information, and amount information indicating a monetary amount froma store communication terminal, authentication means for authenticatingthe piece of customer ID information and the piece of store IDinformation that have been received by the reception means, and transfermeans for transferring the monetary amount indicated by the amountinformation from an account of a store with the authenticated piece ofstore ID information to an account of a customer with the authenticatedpiece of customer ID information.

[0006] A store communication terminal of the present invention includesstorage means for storing store ID information, reception means forreceiving customer ID information, input means for inputting amountinformation for a monetary amount that a store is to pay a customer, andtransmission means for transmitting the store ID information stored inthe storage means, the customer ID information received by the receptionmeans, and the amount information inputted by the input means to anauthentication management apparatus that authenticates the store IDinformation and the customer ID information.

[0007] By constructing a money receiving system that uses the presentauthentication management apparatus and store communication terminal, apayment process that does not use cash can be performed for a monetaryamount so long as a first user has an account at a financial institutionor the like. This payment is performed based on ID information that isstored in the store communication terminal. Such system is highly secureand can prevent theft. As the person making the payment has theinitiative over the operation for making the payment, payers who becomeused to operating the system can develop a strong sense of trust in theoperation of the system.

[0008] In the store communication terminal of the present invention, theinput means may input transfer source store account information and thetransmission means may transmit the transfer source store accountinformation inputted by the input means. Also, in the authenticationmanagement apparatus of the present invention, the reception means mayreceive transfer source store account information and the transfer meansmay transfer the monetary amount from an account indicated by thetransfer source store account information received by the receptionmeans.

[0009] In the authentication management apparatus of the presentinvention, the reception means may receive cancel information from thestore communication terminal and stop the transfer means fromtransferring the monetary amount.

[0010] By constructing a money receiving system using the authenticationmanagement apparatus and the store communication terminal, payments froma transfer source account to a customer account and the cancellation ofsuch payments can be performed within a system.

[0011] With the present invention, when a first user has transmitted IDinformation for the first user and a second user and informationindicating a monetary amount to an authentication management apparatusoperated by an authentication manager, the transmitted content may alsobe transmitted to a customer communication terminal so that the seconduser can check the transmitted content.

[0012] With the present invention, after checking the transmittedcontent, the second user may communicate with the authenticationmanagement apparatus so as to cancel the transmitted content.

[0013] With the present invention, the store communication terminaland/or customer communication terminal may be a mobile communicationterminal.

[0014] As one example for the present invention, the first user may be apawnshop and the second user may be the customer of a pawnshop. In asecond example, the first user may be a money-exchanging booth for aninstant lottery and the second user may be a winner in the instantlottery. In a third example, the first user may be a prize-exchangingbooth at a pachinko parlor and the second user may be a pachinko player.In a fourth example, the first user may be a taxi passenger and thesecond user may be a taxi firm. In a fifth example, the first user maybe a customer of a food stall and the second user may be a food stall.In a sixth example, the first user may be someone who wishes to make anoffering to a priest and the second user may be the priest. Finally, ina seventh example, the first user may be a customer and the second usermay be a bill collector.

[0015] With the present invention, if an instant lottery ticket and acustomer communication terminal can be inserted into a storecommunication terminal and the store communication terminal canautomatically obtain the winnings for the instant lottery ticket and IDinformation for the first user, it is possible for the storecommunication terminal to be operated as an unmanned machine.

[0016] With the present invention, the first user may provide the seconduser with an indication of the monetary amount to be received.

[0017] With the present invention, the second user may also act as theauthentication manager.

[0018] With the present invention, the first user may indicate anaccount from which the money is to be transferred.

[0019] With the present invention, the store communication terminal andthe customer communication terminal may communicate with one another viathe Internet.

[0020] The present application is based on Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2000-226163, the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a moneyreceiving system that relates to an authentication management apparatusand a store communication terminal of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the first embodiment.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing performed in thefirst embodiment.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing of the third embodiment.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a frontal elevation of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a perspective drawing of a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0030]FIG. 10 is a perspective drawing of a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0031]FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0032]FIG. 12 is a flowchart for the processing performed in the seventhembodiment.

[0033]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0034]FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a ninth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0035]FIG. 15 is a perspective drawing showing a processing used in atenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036]FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the tenth embodiment.

[0037]FIG. 17 is a flowchart for the processing performed in the tenthembodiment.

[0038]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0039]FIG. 19 is a perspective drawing of a twelfth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0040]FIG. 20 is a perspective drawing of a thirteenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE PRESENT INVENTION First Embodiment

[0041] The following describes a first embodiment of a money receivingsystem that relates to an authentication management apparatus and astore communication terminal of the present invention, with reference tothe attached drawings.

[0042]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a money receiving system for usein a pawnshop. FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the pawnshop, and FIG.3 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the money receivingsystem.

[0043] The present money receiving system includes a store communicationterminal 200 that is owned by a pawnshop 100 and a customercommunication terminal (mobile communication terminal) 400 that is ownedby a customer 300. The customer 300 hands over an item 500 that hewishes to pawn to a clerk 600 of the pawnshop 100 and inserts thecustomer communication terminal 400 into an authentication apparatus 700that is connected to the store communication terminal 200.

[0044] The pawnshop 100 is equipped with a transparent barrier wall 1000with a double-entry door apparatus 800, which allows the item 500 to behanded over without affecting the safety of the clerk 600, and anopening 900 that allows the customer communication terminal 400 to beinserted. The double-entry door apparatus 800 has a tunnel 803 thatconnects a customer-side door 801 and a clerk-side door 802. Theclerk-side door 802 cannot be opened until the customer-side door 801has been closed, and the customer-side door 801 cannot be opened whenthe clerk-side door 802 is open. As a result, the clerk 600 can beprotected from the customer 300 during the handing over of the item 500.The authentication apparatus 700 also has a tunnel 1100 that isconnected to the opening 900 and covers the periphery of the opening900.

[0045] The clerk 600 is provided with a microphone 1200 and an earphone1300. On the outside of the transparent barrier wall 1000, a speaker1400 for outputting sound inputted via the microphone 1200 and amicrophone 1500 for inputting the sound outputted by the earphone 1300are provided. As a result, the transparent barrier wall 1000 can be usedto completely seal off the outside, thereby protecting the security ofthe pawnshop 100.

[0046] The authentication apparatus 700 communicates with the customercommunication terminal 400 that has been inserted into the tunnel 1100and obtains ID information relating to the customer 300. The customercommunication terminal 400 is equipped with storage means (not shown inthe drawings) such as a memory, with the ID information being stored inthis storage means.

[0047] The store communication terminal 200 is equipped with storagemeans, reception means, input means, and transmission means. The storagemeans stores store ID information. The reception means receives customerID information from the authentication apparatus 700. The input means iscomposed of a ten-key pad or the like, and is used to input informationsuch as amount information for the amount to be paid by the store to thecustomer and transfer source store account information. The transmissionmeans transmits information, such as the store ID information stored inthe storage means, customer ID information received by the receptionmeans, money information or transfer source store account informationinputted via the input means, to an authentication management apparatus.

[0048] The authentication apparatus 700 transmits the customer IDinformation to the store communication terminal 200. This customer IDinformation is received by the reception means of the storecommunication terminal 200.

[0049] The clerk 600 judges the value of the item 500 and informs thecustomer 300. When the customer 300 agrees with the evaluation, theclerk 600 inputs the amount to be paid using a ten-key pad 1600 (theinput means). At this point, the store communication terminal 200outputs a receipt 1452 using a card printer 1450.

[0050] The store communication terminal 200 transmits ID information forthis store communication terminal 200, ID information for the customer300, and information showing the amount to be paid to the customer 300to an authentication management apparatus 2000 operated by anauthentication manager. The authentication manager is a financialinstitution, a credit service, or an authentication service firmentrusted by a plurality of financial institutions 3010, 3020, and 3030or the like.

[0051] The authentication management apparatus 2000 is equipped withstorage means, reception means, authentication means, and transfermeans. The storage means stores a plurality of pieces of customer IDinformation and a plurality of pieces of store ID information. Thereception means receives information such as customer ID information,store ID information, amount information, and transfer source storeaccount information from a store communication terminal 200. Theauthentication means authenticates the customer ID information and storeID information which are received by the reception means. The transfermeans transfers the monetary amount shown by the amount information froman account of the store with store ID information that has beenauthenticated by the authentication means to the account of the customerwith the customer ID information.

[0052] The authentication management apparatus 2000 communicates with anauthentication management apparatus 4000 of an authentication managerthat manages the ID information of the customer 300, and so obtainsinformation for an account at a financial institution 5010 into whichthe monetary amount is to be transferred. The authentication managementapparatus 2000 also obtains, via the reception means, customer IDinformation, store ID information, amount information, and transfersource store account information from a store communication terminal.Using the authentication means, the authentication management apparatus2000 authenticates the obtained customer ID information and store IDinformation. The reception means also receives transfer source storeaccount information from the store communication terminal 200. Theauthentication management apparatus 2000 sends, using the transfermeans, an instruction to a predetermined financial institution 3020 forthe pawnshop 100 for the payment of an amount into an account in thefinancial institution 5010. As shown by the arrow A, a transfer is madefrom the financial institution 3020 to the financial institution 5010.Note that if the reception means receives cancel information from thestore communication terminal 200, this transfer by the transfer means iscancelled.

[0053] In the flowchart in FIG. 3, the clerk 600 inputs a monetaryamount via the ten-key pad 1600 (step S301). The store communicationterminal 200 obtains ID information of the customer 300 (step S302), andtransmits it with ID information for the store and an indication of theamount to the authentication management apparatus 2000 (step S303).After this, the procedure for transferring the amount is executed asdescribed above.

[0054] If, as described above, the customer 300 has an account at thefinancial institution 5010, for example, a money transfer procedure canbe executed based on ID information stored in the customer communicationterminal 400, thereby enabling the transaction between the pawnshop 100and the customer 300 to be performed without cash. Since there is nocash that can be stolen, this prevents theft and increases the securityof the store. Since the person making the payment has the initiativeover the operation and can first value the item 500, payers who becomeused to operating the system can develop a strong sense of trust in itsoperation.

[0055] The transmission means of the store communication terminal 200may also send various information, such as the store ID information, thecustomer ID information, the amount information, and the transfer sourcestore account information to the customer communication terminal 400 toenable the customer to verify this information on the customercommunication terminal 400.

Second Embodiment

[0056]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of thepresent invention in which the communication system used in the firstembodiment has been modified. In this second embodiment, the storecommunication terminal 200, the customer communication terminal 400, theauthentication management apparatus 2000, and the authenticationmanagement apparatus 4000 are assumed to be able to communicate witheach other via the Internet IN. The construction and functioning of thestore communication terminal 200 and the authentication managementapparatus 2000 are the same as in the first embodiment. By using thisconstruction, the same effects as the first embodiment can be achieved.

Third Embodiment

[0057]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of thepresent invention that is used in a money-exchanging booth 6100 forinstant lottery tickets 6000. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of themoney-exchanging booth 6100. In this third embodiment, elements that arethe same as in the first embodiment have been given the same referencenumerals and are assumed to be the same. This is also the case for thefollowing embodiments.

[0058] The money receiving system is equipped with a store communicationterminal 200 that is owned by the money-exchanging booth 6100 and acustomer communication terminal (mobile communication terminal) 400 thatis owned by a winner 6300 in an instant lottery. The construction andfunctioning of the store communication terminal 200 is the same as inthe first embodiment described above. The winner 6300 hands over thewinning instant lottery ticket 6000 to the clerk 600 at themoney-exchanging booth 6100 as an indication to (prove) correspond tohow much he has won. At the same time, the winner 6300 inserts hiscustomer communication terminal 400 into the authentication apparatus700 that is connected to the store communication terminal 200.

[0059] The money-exchanging booth 6100 is provided with a transparentbarrier wall 1000 which has an opening 800 in which instant lotterytickets 6000 can be inserted and an opening 900 in which a customercommunication terminal 400 can be inserted. The opening 800 is so smallthat only instant lottery tickets 6000 can pass through. Theauthentication apparatus 700 has a tunnel 1100 that is connected to theopening 900 and covers the periphery of the opening 900. The clerk 600is provided with a microphone 1200 and an earphone 1300. On the outsideof the transparent barrier wall 1000, a speaker 1400 for outputtingsound inputted via the microphone 1200 and a microphone 1500 forinputting the sound outputted by the earphone 1300 are provided.

[0060] The authentication apparatus 700 communicates with the customercommunication terminal 400 that has been inserted in the tunnel 1100 andobtains ID information for the winner 6300 of instant lottery.

[0061] The clerk 600 verifies the winning instant lottery ticket 6000and inputs the amount to be paid to the winner 6300 via the ten-key pad1600. This amount is displayed on a display 1700 provided on the outsideof the transparent barrier wall 1000. When the winner 6300 of instantlottery presses a confirm button 1800, the winnings for the ticket arefixed at this amount.

[0062] In the same way as in the first embodiment, the storecommunication terminal 200 transmits ID information for the storecommunication terminal 200, ID information for the winner 6300, and anindication of the amount to be paid to the winner to the authenticationmanagement apparatus 2000, so that the appropriate amount is transferredinto a predetermined account of the winner 6300. The construction andfunctioning of the authentication management apparatus 2000 are the sameas in the first embodiment.

[0063] As a result of the above operation, the cashless system for themoney-exchanging booth 6100 can be realized.

[0064] It should be noted that the money-exchanging booth 6100 may alsooperate as a sales booth for instant lottery tickets 6000. For improvedsecurity, however, it is preferable for the sales booth having cash tobe located separately from the money-exchanging booth. If the salesbooth is constructed as a strictly monitored unmanned system, securitycan be further improved.

Fourth Embodiment

[0065]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention in which the communication system used in the thirdembodiment has been modified. In this fourth embodiment, the storecommunication terminal 200, the customer communication terminal 400, theauthentication management apparatus 2000, and the authenticationmanagement apparatus 4000 are assumed to be able to communicate witheach other via the Internet IN. The construction and functioning of thestore communication terminal and the authentication management apparatusare the same as in the third embodiment. By using this construction, thesame effects as the third embodiment can be achieved.

Fifth Embodiment

[0066]FIG. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention thatrelates to an unmanned money-exchanging booth for an instant lottery. Inthis embodiment, the construction and functioning of the storecommunication terminal and the authentication management apparatus arethe same as in the third embodiment. An unmanned money-exchanging booth7000 is in the form of what is normally referred to as a vendingmachine, and is equipped with a slit 7100 for inserting an instantlottery ticket 6000 and a tunnel 1 100 for inserting a customercommunication terminal 400. The unmanned money-exchanging booth 7000automatically detects whether an instant lottery ticket 6000 in the slit7100 is a winning ticket and the amount of winnings to be paid, andobtains ID information for the customer communication terminal 400 thathas been inserted into the tunnel 1100.

[0067] The unmanned money-exchanging booth 7000 is also equipped with adisplay 7200 and a confirm button 1800. Information showing whether theinserted instant lottery ticket 6000 is a winner and the winnings to bepaid is displayed on the display 7200. When the winner 6300 presses theconfirm button 1800 at this point, the amount to be paid is fixed.

[0068] When the winner 6300 does not agree to the displayed information,the winner 6300 may press a cancel button 7300 to abort themoney-exchanging process, or alternatively may press a call button 7400to communicate with a clerk. To allow the winner 6300 to communicatewith a clerk, a speaker 1400 and a microphone 1500 are also provided onthe unmanned money-exchanging booth 7000.

[0069] It should be noted that in the same way as in the fourthembodiment, the communication between elements like the storecommunication terminal 200 and the customer communication terminal 400may be performed via the Internet.

Sixth Embodiment

[0070]FIG. 9 is a perspective drawing showing a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention that relates to a prize-exchanging booth provided at apachinko parlor.

[0071] In this embodiment, a money receiving system includes a storecommunication terminal 200 owned by a prize-exchanging booth 6110 and acustomer communication terminal (mobile communication terminal) 400owned by a pachinko player 6310. The pachinko player 6310 hands overprizes 6500, which are indicative of the amount won by the pachinkoplayer 6310 through playing pachinko, to the clerk 600 of theprize-exchanging booth 6110, and at the same time inserts his customercommunication terminal 400 into the authentication apparatus 700 that isconnected to the store communication terminal 200.

[0072] The prize-exchanging booth 6110 is provided with as a transparentbarrier wall 1000 which has an opening 800 for inserting the prizes 6500and an opening 900 for inserting the customer communication terminal400. The opening 800 is so small that only prizes 6500 can pass through.The authentication apparatus 700 has a tunnel 1100 that is connected tothe opening 900, and covers the periphery of the opening 900. The clerk600 is provided with a microphone 1200 and an earphone 1300. On theoutside of the transparent barrier wall 1000, a speaker 1400 foroutputting sound inputted via the microphone 1200 and a microphone 1500for inputting the sound outputted by the earphone 1300 are provided. Asa result, the transparent barrier wall 1000 can be used to completelyseal off the prize-exchanging booth 6110, thereby protecting thesecurity of the prize-exchanging booth 6110.

[0073] The authentication apparatus 700 communicates with the customercommunication terminal 400 that has been inserted in the tunnel 1100 andobtains ID information for the pachinko player 6310. The customercommunication terminal 400 is provided with a storage means (not shownin the drawings), such as a memory, with the ID information being storedin this storage means.

[0074] The clerk 600 counts the prizes 6500, and inputs the amount to bepaid to the pachinko player 6310 via a ten-key pad 1600. This amount isdisplayed on a display 1700 provided on the outside of the transparentbarrier wall 1000. When the pachinko player 6310 presses a confirmbutton 1800, this amount is fixed.

[0075] In the same way as in the first embodiment, the storecommunication terminal 200 transmits ID information for the storecommunication terminal 200, ID information for the pachinko player 6310,and an indication of the amount to be paid to the pachinko player 6310to an authentication management apparatus 2000 so that a money transferprocedure is performed. As a result, the cashless system for the paymentof winnings at the prize-exchanging booth 6110 can be realized. Theconstruction and functioning of the store communication terminal and theauthentication management apparatus are the same as in the firstembodiment.

[0076] It should be noted that the communication between elements likethe store communication terminal 200 and the customer communicationterminal 400 may be performed via the Internet.

Seventh Embodiment

[0077]FIG. 10 is a perspective drawing of a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention that relates to the payment of a taxi fare. FIG. 11 isa block diagram for the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is a flowchartfor the procedure used in the present embodiment.

[0078] A taxi 7500 operated by a taxi firm 7570 is equipped with asecond mobile communication terminal 400 that has function for operatingas a fare meter. The passenger 7530 has a first mobile communicationterminal 200. In FIG. 11, the first mobile communication terminal 200 isthe passenger 7530's mobile phone, while the second mobile communicationterminal 400 is a mobile communication terminal that belongs to the taxifirm 7570 and also serves as a fare meter. Direct communication isperformed between the mobile communication terminals 200 and 400 andthat the second mobile communication terminal 400 is able to communicatewith an authentication management apparatus 2000. With the exception ofthose, the system is constructed in the same way as in FIG. 1.

[0079] When paying a taxi fare, the passenger 7530 operates the firstmobile communication terminal 200 so as to input the fare to be paid andto indicate the account from which the fare is to be transferred. Thisaccount can be selected as an account for personal taxi use, an accountfor business-related taxi use, or a different account. The first mobilecommunication terminal 200 communicates with the second mobilecommunication terminal 400 so as to obtain ID information for the secondmobile communication terminal 400, and then transmits ID information forthe first mobile communication terminal 200, the ID information for thesecond mobile communication terminal 400, and an indication of the fareto the authentication management apparatus 2000. Note that thisinformation may alternatively be transmitted by the second mobilecommunication terminal 400.

[0080] At this point, the second mobile communication terminal 400communicates with the first mobile communication terminal 200 to confirmthe indicated fare and at the same time issues a receipt 7540 or thelike. The second mobile communication terminal 400 may make anappropriate record of the transaction. When the fare is incorrect, thedriver 7560 uses the second mobile communication terminal 400 to havethe operation made by the first mobile communication terminal 200cancelled.

[0081] By using the system described above, the cashless system for thepayment of fares in the taxi 7500 can be realized. When the aboveprocedure is used, cash does not need to be directly handed over betweenthe driver 7560 and the passenger 7530, so that a transparent barrierwall 1000 can be provided between the driver's seat and the passengerseats so as to protect the safety of the driver 7560.

[0082] It should be noted that the receipt 7540 may be handed to thepassenger via a gap 7550 provided between the transparent barrier wall1000 and the body of the taxi.

[0083] In FIG. 12, the passenger 7530 inputs an indication of the taxifare and an account into the first mobile communication terminal 200(step S1001). On obtaining ID information from the second mobilecommunication terminal 400 (step S1002), the first mobile communicationterminal 200 transmits ID information for both mobile communicationterminals and an indication of the fare to the authentication managementapparatus 2000 (step S1003). At this point, the driver 7560 checks thefare using the second mobile communication terminal 400 (step S1004),and judges whether the fare needs to be corrected (step S1005). Whenthis is the case, the second mobile communication terminal 400communicates with the authentication management apparatus 2000 to cancelthe information sent from the first mobile communication terminal 200(step S1006), and the processing returns to step S1001. Alternatively,when the fare does not need to be corrected, the processing ends at thispoint.

[0084] The store communication terminal (first mobile communicationterminal) 200 is equipped with a storage means, a reception means, aninput means, and a transmission means (so that its construction is thesame as before), and these elements have the same functions as in thefirst embodiment. The construction and the functions of theauthentication management apparatus are also the same as in the firstembodiment.

Eighth Embodiment

[0085]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an eighth embodiment of thepresent invention in which the communication system used in the seventhembodiment has been modified. In this eighth embodiment, the firstcommunication terminal 200, the second communication terminal 400, theauthentication management apparatus 2000, and the authenticationmanagement apparatus 4000 are assumed to be able to communicate witheach other via the Internet IN. The construction and functioning of thestore communication terminal (the first mobile communication terminal)and the authentication management apparatus are the same as in theseventh embodiment. By using this construction, the same effects as theseventh embodiment can be achieved.

Ninth Embodiment

[0086]FIG. 14 is a block diagram for a ninth embodiment of the presentinvention that relates to the payment of a taxi fare. In place of theauthentication manager in the seventh embodiment, the taxi firm 7570acts as the authentication manager (with the authentication managementapparatus being shown as element 4000).

[0087] A taxi ticket system is conventionally available as one way ofpaying taxi fares. Passengers who use this system have a deposit thatcan be managed by a taxi firm.

[0088] As a result, a passenger who uses the taxi ticket systemtransmits ID information and an indication of the fare directly from thefirst mobile communication terminal 200 to the taxi firm 7570, with thetaxi firm 7570 receiving the transfer of a payment from the passengeraccount through processing that is based on a contract between thepassenger and the taxi firm.

Tenth Embodiment

[0089]FIG. 15 is a perspective drawing of the tenth embodiment thatrelates to a food stall. FIG. 16 is a block diagram for this embodimentand FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing performed. Astallholder 8100 of a food stall 8000 has a second mobile communicationterminal 400 that has a function of cash register. A customer 8200 has afirst mobile communication terminal 200. In FIG. 16, the first mobilecommunication terminal 200 is the customer 8200's mobile phone, whilethe second mobile communication terminal 400 is a mobile communicationterminal of the food stall 8000 that also serves as a cash register. Themobile communication terminals 200 and 400 communicate with each otherand the second mobile communication terminal 400 is able to communicatewith the authentication management apparatus 2000. With the exceptionsof those, the construction is the same as that shown in FIG. 1.

[0090] When paying the bill for food and drinks 8300, the customer 8200operates the first mobile communication terminal 200 so as tocommunicate with the second mobile communication terminal 400 to obtainID information for the second mobile communication terminal 400. Thecustomer 8300 also indicates the billed amount using the first mobilecommunication terminal 200. The first mobile communication terminal 200then transmits ID information for the first mobile communicationterminal 200, the ID information for the second mobile communicationterminal 400, and an indication of the billed amount to theauthentication management apparatus 2000. Note that this information maybe alternatively transmitted by the second mobile communication terminal400.

[0091] At this point, the second mobile communication terminal 400communicates with the first mobile communication terminal 200 to issue areceipt 8400 or the like for the indicated amount, and also makes anappropriate record of the transaction. The stallholder 8100 is able tocheck whether the correct amount has been indicated from this receipt8400.

[0092] When the amount is incorrect, the stallholder 8100 can use thesecond mobile communication terminal 400 to cancel the operation made bythe first mobile communication terminal 200.

[0093] By performing the above process, the cashless system for thepayment of the bill at a food stall 8000 can be realized.

[0094] In FIG. 17, the customer 8200 inputs the billed amount into thefirst mobile communication terminal 200 (step S1401). The first mobilecommunication terminal 200 then obtains ID information for thestallholder 8100 from the second mobile communication terminal 400 (stepS1402). On doing so, the first mobile communication terminal 200transmits the ID information of both mobile communication terminals andan indication of the billed amount to the authentication managementapparatus 2000 (step S1403). At this point, the stallholder 8100confirms the amount inputted by the customer 8200 using the secondmobile communication terminal 400 (step S1404), and judges whether theamount needs to be corrected (step S1405). When the amount needs to becorrected, the second mobile communication terminal 400 communicateswith the authentication management apparatus 2000 to cancel theinformation sent from the first mobile communication terminal 200 (stepS1406), and the processing returns to step S1401. Alternatively, whenthe amount does not need to be corrected, the processing ends at thispoint.

Eleventh Embodiment

[0095]FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an eleventh embodiment of thepresent invention in which the communication system used in the tenthembodiment has been modified. In this eleventh embodiment, the firstcommunication terminal 200, the second communication terminal 400, theauthentication management apparatus 2000, and the authenticationmanagement apparatus 4000 are assumed to be able to communicate witheach other via the Internet IN. By using this construction, the sameeffects as the tenth embodiment can be achieved.

Twelfth Embodiment

[0096]FIG. 19 shows a twelfth embodiment of the present invention thatrelates to offerings made at a temple. In this example, a priest 8110who is to receive the offering has a second mobile communicationterminal 400 while the giver 8210 of the offering has a first mobilecommunication terminal 200.

[0097] When making an offering, the giver 8210 operates the first mobilecommunication terminal 200 so that the first mobile communicationterminal 200 communicates with the second mobile communication terminal400 and obtains ID information for the second mobile communicationterminal 400. The giver 8210 indicates a monetary amount to be given asthe offering using the first mobile communication terminal 200, and thefirst mobile communication terminal 200 sends information showing theindicated amount and ID information for the first mobile communicationterminal 200 and the second mobile communication terminal 400 to theauthentication management apparatus 2000.

Thirteenth Embodiment

[0098]FIG. 20 is a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention thatrelates to bill collection. A collector 8120 has a second mobilecommunication terminal 400 while a customer 8220 has a first mobilecommunication terminal 200. While direct debits are widely used for thepayment of utility charges and the like, there are still many customerswho dislike such automatic processes and retailers (such as a newspapervendors) who prefer to collect payments from customers. The thirteenthembodiment of the present invention enables such bills to be paidwithout using cash.

[0099] When paying a bill, the customer 8220 operates the first mobilecommunication terminal 200 so that the first mobile communicationterminal 200 communicates with the second mobile communication terminal400 and obtains ID information for the second mobile communicationterminal 400. The customer 8220 indicates the amount to be paid usingthe first mobile communication terminal 200, and the first mobilecommunication terminal 200 sends information showing the indicatedamount and ID information for the first mobile communication terminal200 and the second mobile communication terminal 400 to theauthentication management apparatus 2000.

[0100] At this point, the second mobile communication terminal 400communicates with the first mobile communication terminal 200 and issuesa receipt 8400 or the like for the indicated amount, as well as making arecord of the collected amount. The collector 8120 can confirm whetherthe customer 8220 has inputted the correct amount from the receipt.

[0101] When the amount is incorrect, the second mobile communicationterminal 400 can cancel the operation made by the first mobilecommunication terminal 200.

[0102] In each of the ninth to thirteenth embodiments, the constructionand the functioning of the store communication terminal (first mobilecommunication terminal) and the authentication management apparatus arethe same as in the first embodiment.

Industrial Applicability

[0103] The present invention provides a money receiving system thatrealizes a cashless system for monetary payments without placingrestrictions on the recipients of such payments, as well as anauthentication management apparatus and a store communication terminalthat are used in this money receiving system.

1. An authentication management apparatus, comprising, storage means forstoring a plurality of pieces of customer ID information and a pluralityof pieces of store ID information; reception means for receiving a pieceof customer ID information, a piece of store ID information, and amountinformation indicating a monetary amount from a store communicationterminal; authentication means for authenticating the piece of customerID information and the piece of store ID information that have beenreceived by the reception means; and transfer means for transferring themonetary amount indicated by the amount information from an account of astore with the authenticated piece of store ID information to an accountof a customer with the authenticated piece of customer ID information.2. An authentication management apparatus in accordance with claim 1,wherein the reception means receives transfer source store accountinformation and the transfer means transfers the monetary amount from anaccount indicated by the transfer source store account informationreceived by the reception means.
 3. An authentication managementapparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the reception meansreceives cancel information from the store communication terminal andstops the transfer means from transferring the monetary amount.
 4. Astore communication terminal, comprising: storage means for storingstore ID information; reception means for receiving customer IDinformation; input means for inputting amount information for a monetaryamount that a store is to pay a customer; and transmission means fortransmitting the store ID information stored by the storage means, thecustomer ID information received by the reception means, and the amountinformation inputted by the input means to an authentication managementapparatus that authenticates the store ID information and the customerID information.
 5. A store communication terminal in accordance withclaim 4, wherein the input means inputs transfer source store accountinformation and the transmission means transmits the transfer sourcestore account information inputted by the input means.
 6. A storecommunication terminal in accordance with claim 4 or claim 5, whereinthe transmission means transmits the information to a customercommunication terminal as well as to the authentication managementapparatus.
 7. A store communication terminal in accordance with any ofclaim 4 to claim 6, wherein the store communication terminal is a mobilecommunication terminal.
 8. A store communication terminal in accordancewith any of claim 4 to claim 6, wherein the store communication terminalis set up in a pawnshop.
 9. A store communication terminal in accordancewith any of claim 4 to claim 6, wherein the store communication terminalis set up in a lottery money-exchanging booth.
 10. A store communicationterminal in accordance with any of claim 4 to claim 6, wherein the storecommunication terminal is set up in a prize-exchanging booth of apachinko parlor.